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Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Hyundai's ambitious future plans include a redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV and Elantra sedan, along with a new subcompact crossover that is smaller than the Tucson and expected to be at dealerships in 2017 at the earliest.

The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Elantra will hit dealer showrooms in the second half of 2015.

The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson also goes on sale next year.

2014 Elantra

MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hyundai's ambitious future plans include a redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV and Elantra sedan, along with a new subcompact crossover that is smaller than the Tucson and expected to be at dealerships in 2017 at the earliest.

The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Elantra will hit dealer showrooms in the second half of 2015. The redesigned 2016 Hyundai Tucson also goes on sale next year. Hyundai's new subcompact crossover will be targeted at the Nissan Juke.

They include the Buick Encore, which is on sale now, and the Chevrolet Trax, which will land in showrooms later this year.

Zuchowski said the 2016 Tucson will move up a few steps in terms of refinement and styling.

"You will see really elegant, taut, athletic, aggressive styling that is very, very attractive," he said. "It looks bigger but it is not. It is just the way it is styled.

He said the Tucson will have a more solid feel, along with improved handling and steering dynamics. It will include technology, safety features and options commonly found in more expensive vehicles, which he believes will lead to a boost in sales.

Zuchowski is so optimistic about the 2016 Tucson that he asked the automaker to boost its U.S. allocation, possibly doubling it.

The 2016 Elantra will feature styling that Zuchowski called "Audiesque." The Elantra lineup also includes a coupe and a hatchback.

"The easiest way to describe that without going into any detail is that it looks more Audiesque, to me it looks more European," he said. "It is beautifully styled and it does not look like a (lower-priced) compact car. It looks like a richer segment car. It looks more elegant, more premium (than the current Elantra)."

The Hyundai Elantra competes with the Ford Focus, Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The Hyundai Tucson competes with the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Edmunds says: Car shoppers who know they'll be in the market next year have a lot to look forward to with the redesigned 2016 Hyundai Elantra and Tucson.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Cars have been a part of our lives for over a hundred years. What began as horseless carriages has today become a showcase of modern technology and design. And an integral part of our social structure. In fact, cars have become so ubiquitous that we hardly give them a second thought, until the time comes for us to buy a car.

Think about it, what is a car? In a nutshell, it’s a passenger-carrying ground vehicle, typically with four wheels powered by an engine that transports you between places. That, in essence, is how most people look at cars.

Hyundai looks at cars a little differently. A car is not just a means of commute, but rather an instrument of making your life better. It drives you to capitalise every opportunity and realise your full potential. It’s a vehicle of love and laughter with family and friends. It’s a reflection of your values and beliefs. At Hyundai, cars are not just about technology and design, but about using technology and design to work for you. At Hyundai, a car is not a symbol of power, but a machine to empower you.

The Hyundai Verna is an excellent example of this Hyundai philosophy. The Fluidic Verna was launched in 2011. And in three years, it has proved its métier and mettle in our unforgiving and arduous operating conditions. Customers discovered that beneath the glamorous supermodel looks is a car that has the fiscal sensibilities of a thrifty housewife. Moreover, Hyundai’s commitment to you does not end with a car. Behind every car stands Hyundai’s expansive service network. With the 2014 model Verna, the magic gets even better. The Verna is now even more modern, more premium and more value than ever before.

Design, The Hyundai Way.

Indians love design. While we might appreciate Nordic elegance or Oriental simplicity, the design ethos that runs in our blood is one of complexity and exuberance. You can find it in the architecture of our monuments and temples, you can see it in the cut and colours of our clothes, you can find it in our traditional motifs and symbols. Our designs are more than just decoration. They are infused with meaning and symbolism. Good design talks to us.

In today’s market, where cars are designed to the dictums of economics, Hyundai’s set the cat amongst the pigeons with its organic Fluidic design. And one of the best examples of this is to be found in the lines of the Hyundai Verna.

But what is this Hyundai’s design philosophy, the much celebrated ‘Fluidic Design’? It’s a style that celebrates the harmony between man and nature. This design philosophy celebrates the natural rhythm of life. It is a rhythm that flows in harmony with nature. Hyundai’s new design philosophy gives substance to this fluidity, hence the monicker ‘Fluidic Design’. The flow of design is not just harmonious, but also dynamic, creating the illusion of movement even when the Verna is standing still. It translates the many shades of life into a natural, intuitive and unique design that engages the senses. And drives you towards a vision of the future. The result is a car that doesn’t just take you places, but takes you there with grace and panache.

India’s love affair with the Hyundai Verna.

This design philosophy dictates that the Verna is designed to underline your signature, not overshadow you with its presence. The Hyundai Verna is not an ostentatious lifestyle statement, but a well-designed life tool. An instrument fashioned to facilitate your day. The Verna is a reflection of your values, a signature of your achievements, a realisation of your dreams and an extension of your life. The Verna is designed to complement your style. It is this that has made over 2,47,000 people across India choose the Verna as their partner in their life journey. Yes, that’s right; two lakh forty-seven thousand people have chosen to put in their trust and hard-earned rupees on the Verna. The reason is not hard to see.

Little details that make great design.

Look at the Verna from any angle, and you see the face of tomorrow. Look at it from the front; the regal hexagonal chrome front grille gives it a majestic mien. The projector headlight is a two-piece bezel design that adds a touch of luxury during the daytime, especially with the newly added LED positioning lamps. The small design details; the body-coloured side mirrors with in-built LED turn indicators, the chrome pull-type door handles, the dual chrome exhaust pipes, all add to the Verna’s visual flair. Look at it from the rear; the bumper with rear reflectors and the wrap-around rear lamps add to the desirability quotient. Little wonder then that the Verna scores so high on the Indian customers’ list. Having said that, the Indian customer is perhaps one of the most demanding in the world. And Indian customers demand substance, not just style.

Creating a cocoon of comfort.

The heat and dust of India’s roads, coupled with the chaotic traffic and rough surfaces, can make your journey arduous and tiring. In this exhausting environment, the Verna provides you an oasis of serenity. Open the door and take a seat. The metallic hue garnished with luxurious detailing creates an inviting air. The plush, beige leather-upholstered seat and door covers, along with the black glossy trim, give it a sophisticated touch. The cabin design continues the sweeping organic theme that creates a soothing ambience within. Then there are those little details that add up to make your drive that much more comfortable. The air-conditioned glove box. The sliding function and the storage space in the centre armrest. The fabric-lined sunglass holder. The rich knit-embossed fabric of the sun visor, incorporating a pocket-type ticket holder and vanity mirror.

You cannot have too much of a good thing. That is why the Verna multiplies your delight with its commodious cabin. There is ample room here for your family and friends. Even XXL-size occupants will find no reason to complain. The ride is plush and supple as the suspension works efficiently to fool you into thinking that the roads have improved.

The best-in-class experience.

Hyundai believes in giving its customers the best-in-class experience. An example of this is the full-auto air-conditioning system that you can opt for when you buy the Verna. If the driver and passenger want different settings and temperature, this system will take care of it. So each person can adjust their temperature to their liking.

Moreover, every Verna comes with a clean air-cluster ionizer that keeps the cabin air fresh and healthy.

For entertainment, the Verna is equipped with a remote-controlled 2-DIN audio system that plays everything from CDs to MP3s. It also supports iPods and USBs. So whatever format your music is in, you can enjoy it in your Hyundai Verna.

Continuing commitment to excellence.

The Hyundai Verna story is far from complete. This journey is not over. As the Hyundai family continues to expand, the company’s commitment and responsibility to its customers continues to grow. The 2014 Verna is just one of the many initiatives Hyundai has launched to make its customers’ lives better. The popular Verna in its 2014 avtaar is now even better and is drawing even more rave reviews. So what else is better in this car?

What about the engines? The performance? And all the other questions you have? We will explore the other facets of the Hyundai Verna in our forthcoming issues.

Monday, July 28, 2014

MEMPHIS, July 26, 2014 — The Sonata has been one smash hit for the Korean automaker. Hyundai recently announced its seventh generation model of this amazing car. Hyundai Sonata was nothing short of a smash hit in the midsize sedan segment, and so was the one before that and before that and before that.

The new generation trades some of the swoopy curves of the previous version for more conservative lines that take the styling to a much higher level. The outgoing generation of the Hyundai Sonata was a bold move that has paid off big time for the automaker, drawing attention to Hyundai with its daring yet practical design, strong yet efficient engines, and good value all around. The new model is a little bigger than before, and rear passengers benefit from a little more hip and legroom. The chassis has also been overhauled to improve both the Sonata’s handling capabilities and its ride quality.

The new Sonata is 1.4 inches longer and 1.2 inches wider than its predecessor, and rides on a 0.4-inch longer wheelbase. Its new body boasts torsional and bending stiffness increases of 41 & 35% according to the folks at Hyundai, and 52% of its steel is of the advanced high-strength variety. Hyundai says the new Sonata will be safer than ever, too, thanks to the stiffer body as well as new driver knee airbags.

So what is it about Sonata that is so attractive and why is it taking the car consumer world by storm? It offers comfort, great driving dynamics, astonishing styling, great value, responsive handling and driving, and it offers a plethora of driver assistance, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning. Hyundai has them all and does a better job than the immediate competition and I was very impressed with the adapt cruise control full range mode where even if you go down to 0 mph by simply tapping the resume button it will start up again.

So how do you raise the level of quality and refinement in a vehicle that seems to have it all? The answer lies in keeping the same manufacturing and assembly formula, this model being the third one built in Montgomery’s Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), and excel in having a classy and even-tempered look, a smoother and more quiet powertrain, and have a body that’s tight and stamped together even more effectively than before… after all, the competition is fierce and even though Sonatas do sell at the rate of about 200,000 per year, the Camry, Accord, Mazda 6 and Chrysler 200 are all itching to take over the lead.

And as if this was not enough to make this car a great value and amazing vehicle, the actual design isn’t the only attribute that stands out. The number of features available is impressive, such as available heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and segment-exclusive rear sunshades. You can upgrade the multimedia head unit between two touch-screen audio setups, with the ultimate option featuring a seven-inch touch-screen and the Hyundai BlueLink telematics system. Using this system Sirius XM subscribers can even record live radio to listen again later. Hyundai also promises Apple CarPlay support and Android Auto compatibility in the near future that will allow users to let their smartphones to further enhance their infotainment experience with brought in apps, locations and improved integration between the phone and the car. An impressive compliment of safety technologies can also be special ordered, including Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.

Hyundai also revised the engines, but instead of upping the horsepower and torque in the 2.4-liter and two-liter turbo models Hyundai decreased output. The 2.4-liter model makes five horsepower less, while the turbo model loses almost 30 hp. That decrease is supposed to make peak power more easily accessible. While the engines don’t feel particularly powerful, they both offer smooth acceleration and are both relatively quiet.

We were very impressed to learn the fuel economy in this new Sonata hovers around 25 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway for the 2.4-liter engine and 23 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway for the turbo. For the truly mileage-minded, another option for the Sonata is a turbocharged 1.6-liter Eco engine with 177 horsepower and 195 horsepower that gets 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Prices for the Sonata start at $21,125 for the base model with an automatic transmission, while different engine and equipment packages can set you back to around $33,495., excluding an $810 in destination fees automatically tacked on to every car.

We have had numerous family members and friends get into a Sonata over the years and thus far we have not had one contact us with any sort of complaint or grievance. They have all been great cars, especially from the fourth generation on up… a terrific car despite some shortcomings, but this new 2015 Sonata takes the cake in so many different areas, which puts it in the lead against so many challenging competitors in one of the toughest segments in the car business today.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 1Micah and his father leaving his hand print on Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels Santa Fe. Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA

Micah and his father leaving his hand print on Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels Santa Fe at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA

Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels donates funds for childhood cancer research, raises awareness of pediatric cancer and gives hope to those who suffer. Hyundai Motor America and its more than 820 U.S dealers, along with customer support, are committing serious funds to help fight childhood cancer. Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Although many automakers sponsor charities, Hyundai is remarkably hands on with Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels.

Micah is a scrappy little guy who’s been fighting cancer since he was a baby. He’s smart, curious and precocious while exhibiting that one special trait of what a three-year-old typically should be – happiness. To meet him in person, you would be hard pressed to see evidence of his illness. Micah’s cancer has gone into remission several times, only to come back.

His parents Kate and Jeff contend with this reality with an internal fortitude that actually gives others strength. As a parent of young children, I am in awe of people like Micah’s parents. I could never imagine what they go through on this emotional roller-coaster, the tremendous strength it must take. I find it nearly inconceivable.

“The mission of Hope on Wheels is to raise awareness for childhood cancer, donate life-saving research funds and celebrate the lives of children affected by this disease. The program provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2e pursuing innovative pediatric cancer research. These grants are designed to develop new treatments and ultimately a cure. We are committed to providing the much-needed support in the fight against childhood cancer. Hope on Wheels’ ultimate goal is to fund the needed research that will bring about the day when no child ever has to hear the words, “You have cancer.”” – - Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Micah leaves his hand print (with the help of his father Jeff) during the Rady Children’s Hospital’s acceptance of the Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels award ceremony

Micah leaves his hand print (with the help of his father Jeff) during the Rady Children’s Hospital’s acceptance of the Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels award ceremony

Micah is my brother-in-law’s nephew and I’ve had the good fortune to see him grow and thrive, despite the cancer. Thanks to programs like Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels, children and their families who suffer from childhood cancer have a powerful ally.

“We created a new grant category called the Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant, a competitively selected two-year $250,000 award. Recipients of the Hope Grant are selected from the nation’s best and brightest institutions.” – - Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels

Recently, Micah’s hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, received a $75,000 grant award from Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels. “Dr. Udaka, a fellow at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, received a 2014 Hyundai Young Investigator Clinical Award to fund her work on brain tumors in children. She is one of 13 recipients of this award, which helps principal investigators pursue research and implement clinical programs aimed at improving the lives of children battling pediatric cancer.”

“Hyundai is a brand that not only builds great cars, but is committed to doing good things that serve society’s needs,” said Dave Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Pediatric cancer is an issue that affects far too many children. Together with our dealers, we joined this fight in 1998. We are committed to ending this disease by funding life-saving research. Through Hope On Wheels, we look forward to a world in which no child will have to face this terrible disease.” – - rchsd.orgHyundai Hope on Wheels 3

Micah and Jeff admire their handy work during the Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels ceremony at Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA.

Micah and Jeff admire their handy work during the Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels ceremony at Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA.

The Fast Lane Car team wishes to extend a special thank you to Hyundai Motor America and its more than 820 U.S dealers for implementing this incredibly important program. Hyundai customers should know what a kind and generous organization their automaker represent. With programs like Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels, children like Micah and their

Friday, July 11, 2014

July 11, 2014 by gary rome hyundai Leave a commentRESAVED FUEL CEL from fireworksJuly 09, 2014Lately, there has been quite a stir in the global automotive industry owing to the use of more environmental-friendly resources in order to conserve maximum energy for the upcoming future. Each auto maker is tending towards employing a new type of technology, which caters to both aesthetics and functionality of a vehicle. While some auto giants have geared up to transform their cars into an all-inclusive hybrid, others have made a more pragmatic approach and opted for Hydrogen Fuel-Cells. The latest name in this expansive list is of the South-Korean auto giant, Hyundai who has planned to convert its next-generation car in the same specification. The upcoming Hyundai Intrado model of the company will be transformed into a green car for better fuel dynamics and driveability.

The company had unveiled this concept recently on a worldwide stage claiming it to be the glimpse of Hyundai cars of the future. The Hyundai Intrado F-cell cars will be forming the bases of the futuristic designs and innovation of the company. Interestingly, Intrado is among the first-ever Hyundai car models to be incorporate with such kind of powertrain. Based entirely on the auto maker’s iconic Fluidic Sculpture Design Philosophy, this model will be the upcoming Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the company. The company officials claim that this green car has been a result of the consumer’s demand for creating a more interactive and easily functional vehicle. The Hyundai Intrado F-cell cars will be offering a revolutionary driving experience to the passengers in the most cost-effective and environmental-friendly manner possible.

The concept car has been created with precise engineering and latest techniques to suit the taste of modern day buyers. This SUV is one of those Hyundai car models, which have been created to keep the entire weight of the vehicle proportional and downwards. The concept car’s chassis has been designed using reinforced carbon fibre structure and light-weight steel has been wrapped over it to provide rigidity. This green car is equipped with a heavy 36-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which will power the new generation hydrogen fuel-cells to put the vehicle in motion. Moreover, the concept SUV will be able to reach 0-100 kmph within 12.5 seconds and onto a top speed of over 200 kmph.

For refuelling, the car can be stopped at any nearby hydrogen fuel station and can be filled within minutes. In full tank, this SUV concept car is expected to cover a range of over 600 km before getting fully drained.The Hyundai Intrado F-cell cars are expected to be sent into production soon and will be launched in the upcoming time. If launched in the domestic auto market, this model will certainly be among the most amazing Hyundai cars in India. The company has not unveiled any further plans but reports suggest that this SUV concept will be one of the expensive Hyundai car models in the world. Initially, the cost of manufacturing these hydrogen cars will be hefty but after proper architecture has been laid, the amount will certainly get reduced steeply.

Monday, July 07, 2014

Even the best drivers occasionally
press their foot a little too hard on the gas pedal.

But the engineers at Hyundai
have come up with a way to save speeders from their own bad habits. The
automaker is showing off a new system that not only alerts the driver to hidden
speed cameras, but will automatically slow the vehicle down to avoid
a ticket.

"It knows there is a speed
camera there," spokesman Guido Schenken told reporters during a session
marking the Korean launch of the newly redesigned 2015
Hyundai Genesis sedan. "It knows where the speed camera is and it will
adopt the correct speed."

The system relies on some basic
technology. Its onboard navigation system has a database showing where speed
cameras are known to operate, and that information is linked to the sedan's auto-brake
system. Drivers are given an audible alert about a half-mile before they
approach the camera. If the motorist doesn't slow to the speed limit, the
automatic braking system kicks in, gradually slowing the vehicle.

The speed
camera system is the first offered by any automaker and is part of a
broader suite of electronic safety, comfort and convenience features on the new
Genesis
sedan, which was designed to compete against such established luxury
competitors as the BMW
5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

For now, the speed camera detection
system will only be offered in South Korea. But questions surrounding the
legality of the technology are likely to arise if it makes its way over to the
U.S.

Several states, Canada and a number
of other countries ban the use of radar detectors. But the Hyundai system
relies on a database of known locations, rather than a detector system. That
difference means, however, that the technology would not work against cops
scanning speed from radar detectors on the side of the road.

For American motorists who want to
avoid speeding tickets without slowing down, there are a few options. Where
legal, some radar detectors now have access to speed camera databases, as do a
number of the portable navigation systems sold by Garmin.

There also are speed camera apps for
smartphones, such as CamSam, which claim to offer continuously updated
databases. Like the Garmin navigation units, they provide warnings ahead of a
camera, but unlike the Hyundai system, it's up to a driver to respond in time.

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Hyundai broke into the U.S. market in the mid-’80s by selling a tiny
$4,999 Excel to compete against an even teenier $3,990 Yugo, both of
which were promoted as low-cost new-car alternatives to used cars, and
both sharing another distinction: Popular Mechanics said the economy
cars “deserved to die” and they did.

For 2015 Hyundai brings out the second generation of its midsize
sedan appropriately named Genesis. It boasts the sophisticated
technology to compete with any $50,000 luxury car rival and Hyundai is
hoping for a repeat of the North American Car of the Year distinction
bestowed by the nation’s automotive journalists when the Genesis was
introduced in 2009.
We tested the new 2015 Genesis with a V-8 that starts at $51,500. It
has undergone a major redesign called Fluidic Sculpture, which is
mystery speak that means it has curves and creases and a glossy exterior
that gives it an upscale luxury appearance.

The availability of all wheel drive for snow-belt security and dry
road agility overcomes its predecessor’s shortcoming of rear wheel drive
only. The 3.8-liter V-6 version offers either rear ($38,000) or AWD
($40,500), the 5-liter V-8 version offers RWD only. Hyundai says about
80 percent who purchase AWD in a luxury car opt for a V-6 so the V-6 got
AWD first, the V-8 in the near future. Hyundai estimates AWD could
boost Genesis sales by 20 percent.

Both V-6/V-8 are teamed with 8-speed automatic transmissions with
paddle shifters for manual shifting. Both offer stop/start technology to
save gas at the stop light. However, the V-6 is rated at 18 mpg city/29
mpg highway with RWD, 18/25 with AWD, the V-8 at 15/23. A 30 mpg
highway rating for the V-6, at least 25 mpg highway for the V-8 should
be goals for Hyundai to reach. Perhaps add the gas/electric hybrid
technology Hyundai offers in other models like Sonata?

The quick and quiet sedan has plenty of pep off the light and into
and out of the passing lane. Ride and handling are smooth and blemish
free. Continuous damping suspension controls body motion and roll. You
can push the sport suspension button for more agile handling on twisting
roads. The cabin is virtually noiseless in keeping with the theme that
quiet equals quality, and there’s ample stretch room to wiggle limbs
while front leather seats cool or heat the occupants’ tender parts on
demand.

The best new feature is automatic emergency braking. If traveling at
5 m.p.h. to 50 m.p.h. and the car ahead suddenly stops, full braking is
activated to avoid a collision. If between 50 m.p.h. to 112 m.p.h.,
there’s partial braking to reduce the force of impact with the vehicle
ahead. At 112 m.p.h., even with partial braking, chances are good both
you and the car will need bodywork.

Also new for 2015 are blind spot and lane departure warnings, a CO2
sensor that automatically pumps fresh air into the cabin to prevent
driver drowsiness on long trips, panoramic sunroof over both front and
rear seats, manually operated rear side window shades, and Smart Trunk,
in which you only need stand by the deck lid with key in pocket and arms
full of luggage for a few seconds and the lid will magically pop open
without having to kick your foot under the rear bumper to activate the
power open sensor like Ford requires in its vehicles.

Blue Link technology gives Genesis electronic sophistication with
voice recognition controls, sending for help in a collision, or using
your smart phone to find the car misplaced in the concert parking lot,
while the infotainment system delivers any and all types of sound, plus
stock quotes, sports scores, weather alerts, movie times, and gas
prices—-as well as location of the lowest priced station.

The optional remote package (free 3 month trial/$99 annually
thereafter) starts the car and adjusts heating/cooling before slipping
inside, as well as keep tabs on the teens by automatically texting or
emailing Dad if the youth are motoring after curfew—and over the speed
limit. The system uses Geo-Fence to program a zone you don’t want the
car to either enter or exit and send an alert when it does. It sends Dad
an electronic alert if the teen headed for the library wanders to the
mall, instead.

Geo-Fence can also be programmed to alert Mom if Dad stopped at the
casino when vowing to take the car for an oil change. The system,
however, won’t be available until November since Hyundai is upgrading it
to allow programming from the car rather than a laptop at home.